Sky Sports columnist Laura Hunter breaks down the headline‑making moments from the most recent Women’s Super League fixtures, drawing readers into the pivotal narratives shaping the women’s game today. Manchester City seemed poised to clinch the championship as early as Wednesday, potentially sealing the title without needing another match. If Arsenal had stumbled against Leicester – an unlikely but conceivable scenario – City’s lead at the summit could have become mathematically untouchable with only a handful of games left. That hypothetical, however, has now vanished.
The celebratory atmosphere surrounding City’s title hopes has been replaced by uncertainty. The shock loss to Brighton over the weekend has opened the door for both Chelsea and Arsenal to match City’s current points total of 49.
While Sonia Bompastor’s Blues are realistically out of contention because of an inferior goal‑difference, the Gunners remain very much in the mix. What was previously described as a one‑percent chance of a title upset has now swelled to roughly five percent, and this shift has occurred without Arsenal even stepping onto the pitch.
Long‑time followers of this column will recall my early‑season prediction that the trophy would be handed over symbolically as soon as February. In hindsight, that may have been premature.
Still, it would take a truly extraordinary collapse for Manchester City to see the crown slip away at this stage. As Fran Kirby quipped after Saturday’s match, “We’re happy to keep the title race going for a little bit longer.” Kirby’s brilliance in a free‑role proved decisive in a stunning 3‑2 defeat. Andree Jeglertz’s side now require a minimum of five points from their remaining fixtures to force the title to a final‑day showdown, provided Arsenal win the games they have in hand. This scenario means City cannot guarantee the championship until the last matchday.
Jeglertz appears unfazed, reminding readers that his side has suffered only one loss this term – that defeat to City – and any further slip‑ups will likely be costly. City’s upcoming schedule features a home clash with Liverpool followed by an away trip to West Ham, with an FA Cup semi‑final against Chelsea sandwiched in between. None of those fixtures are easy, especially after a loss that came after a game in which City could have secured three points within the first half. It marks the first occasion this season that the team has surrendered points after leading.
Captain Alex Greenwood offered a measured post‑match assessment, highlighting how the squad has historically bounced back from setbacks. She noted, “This one hurts because we were in control,” referring to the Brighton game where City generated seven clear‑cut chances yet failed to convert any. The lack of cohesion was evident, likely a result of the 19‑day break following the international window. The season’s calendar has been both a blessing and a curse for City.
On the one hand, the absence of European fixtures has reduced fatigue and allowed the squad to focus on domestic duties. On the other hand, irregular gaps between matches have sometimes disrupted rhythm, especially during weeks that demanded three games. City’s roster was assembled with depth to endure such congested periods, but the uneven spacing has occasionally hindered momentum. Despite the recent stumble, panic is premature.
City have been exceptional for the majority of the 2025/26 campaign, and their consistency merits a championship. Yet they cannot treat the title as a foregone conclusion.
The spectre of falling short, as they did to Chelsea on goal difference in 2023/24, looms large for players like Greenwood, Bunny Shaw and Lauren Hemp. The memory of that narrow miss still stings, and the fear of a repeat is palpable. Manchester United, meanwhile, endured an equally disappointing weekend, not because they lost their match – a goalless draw with Tottenham – but because the performance exposed a loss of initiative.
Once considered strong contenders for the second spot behind their city rivals, United now appear to be sliding out of the top‑three race. Marc Skinner’s side have managed only one victory in their last eight outings across all competitions.
Scoring has dried up, and overall performance has plummeted. The question arises: is this decline a symptom of the squad’s limited depth compared with rivals, or are other factors at play?
United have failed to beat any of the current top‑five teams, including Spurs, while City, Arsenal and Chelsea continue to average around 1.5 points per game, suggesting a quality gap. Even the return of Ella Toone from a long injury layoff could not reignite United’s attack. Tottenham’s offensive metrics dominated the encounter, with a staggering xG differential of 2.58 to 0.47.
United did not register a shot on target until the 56th minute, while Spurs logged more than double the touches inside the box (42 versus 20). Goalkeeper Phallon Tullis‑Joyce emerged as United’s saviour on the day. Skinner now faces intense scrutiny. As the longest‑serving manager in the WSL, he operates under constant pressure, and a single poor result can trigger a chorus of criticism.
He has acknowledged that the team’s recent form – especially after defeats to Chelsea in the FA Cup and the League Cup final – is unacceptable. Balancing a maiden Champions League campaign with domestic obligations appears to have drained the squad’s energy.
“We have to make some changes in the summer,” Skinner admitted, noting he still has a year left on his contract. Whether those adjustments involve personnel, tactics or perhaps even a managerial shift remains to be seen. In summary, both Manchester clubs face pivotal moments.
City must recover quickly to protect a lead that is now vulnerable, while United must rediscover the spark that once made them credible challengers. The next few weeks will be decisive, and fans of both sides will be watching closely to see if either team can turn the tide and finish the season on a high note.